Monthly Archives: October 2009

The on again off again discounts at the Dolphin Market in Cruz Bay are – on again. Got it from the horse’s mouth.

I spoke with the store’s owner today and he says that he really wants people to keep coming to Dolphin even though the construction of the roundabout makes entries and exits to and from the makeshift parking areas an adventurous proposition – not for the faint of heart . Hoping to accomplish this goal he has reinstated the 10% discount for most items on purchases of more than $50. For the weekend discount of 20%, you’ll need to get a discount coupon, which many times you’ll have to ask for.

It’s a decent savings and the prices are already lower than the other markets so, in my opinion, it’s worth it extra hassle.

Press Release from St. John Film Society:
We have a wonderful event planned for next Wednesday night at Cinnamon Bay Amphitheater. We sent out the press release on Wednesday (hope you received it!) and would love a mention on your fabulous site if you have the time and space. This event local filmmakers: Joan Keenan, Janet Cook-Rutnik & Bill Stelzer. We also have some very special visiting guests. Thanks in advance and hope you can make it!

Halloween Costume Prize Columbus Georgia
The Uptown Tap and The Vault, 1024 and 1026 Broadway, Columbus, Georgia, will award a five-night free stay (with meals) on St. John, Virgin Islands to the best overall costume.

Small Plane Crash on St. Croix
A single engine Cessna 177 enroute to St. Thomas crashed while attempting to return to the airport on St. Croix killing the three people aboard

Today’s PhotosI’ve included some sunset photos here again, I hope I’m not overdoing this, but the light was sooooo nice!

Miss Michelle's Pre K Kids in Halloween Costumes

Sunset over Great Cruz Bay, St. John Virgin Islands

Chocolate Hole, St. John USVI - Late Afternoon Light

For parents of the Lower School Kids and anyone else who’s interested – here’s a video of the kids who did a little parade at the upper school:

Leinster Bay was once called “Smith Bay.” The current name “Leinster Bay” was adopted by James Murphy, a St. Thomas merchant, slave trader and ship owner, who purchased Leinster Bay, and surrounding estates in 1796. The name Leinster came from the province in Ireland where his family came from.

Yesterday a pair of dolphins put on a show for boaters at moorings, kayakers and swimmers in the vicinity of Maho Bay. The pair cavorted around the spectators, blowing out air from their blowholes and bringing their tails, heads, and dorsal fins to the surface.

Getting good photos of these guys are not easy, especially without a telephoto lens and excellent timing, but I was able to capture two fairly decent shots of the dolphin surfacing while three girls, visitors from our neighboring island, Puerto Rico, swam after them as their mom followed in a kayak.

“…a tale about humans between the North and the South, about globalization, and about fish.”

Some time in the 1960’s, in the heart of Africa, a new animal was introduced into Lake Victoria as a little scientific experiment. The Nile Perch, a voracious predator, extinguished almost the entire stock of the native fish species. However, the new fish multiplied so fast, that its white fillets are today exported all around the world.

This booming multinational industry has created an ungodly globalized alliance on the shores of the world’s biggest tropical lake: an army of local fishermen, World bank agents, homeless children, African ministers, EU-commissioners, Tanzanian prostitutes and Russian pilots.

Come early for for dinner at The Marketplace!

Special Announcements: Halloween Treats: Popcorn, Candy & Beverages Available at the show on Thursday, from our friends at La Plancha

Free Zemi Caribbean Workshop “Inner Creative Journeys” Nov 10, 2009

The community is invited to a FREE workshop for anyone interested in experiencing “Inner Creative Journeys”. Viki Brown is the facilitator for this event on November 10, 2009 at 7pm – 9pm. She uses drumming and flute along with visualizations to guide you to find answers to specific questions that are intimately your own. She believes that by practicing these methods, originally brought to us from the indigenous Indians, that we can find what is true to our hearts. In doing so, we can have a more peaceful community and world.

Viki is also the coordinator for the workshops in January . See www.zemicaribbeanworkshops.com for details about the exceptional professional speakers that will guide you through a variety of ways to heal your body, mind, and soul. Learn about Yoga, Tai chi, Cosmology, Dance, Drumming, and Journeys for clarity. Please call Viki at 340 693 5308 or email viki@caribbeanworkshops.com for directions.

ZEMI CARIBBEAN WORKSHOPS

January 2010 in St. John, USVI at the Solyoga studio at Mongoose Junction in Cruz Bay, on the beach and in the National Park.

Zemi Caribbean Workshop prices for each week is $275 for one, two or all instructors. Arrive on Saturday and leave on Saturday. Wednesday is open for an optional group sail or beach day. Please see the Calendar at www.zemicaribbeanworkshops.com for more detailed information. Sign up in November, seating is limited. Contact viki@zemicaribbeanworkshops.com for best fares on accommodations or call 340 693 5308.

Yesterday St. John’s primary culture bearer, Guy Benjamin celebrated his 96th birthday, surrounded by family friends and admirers. The event took place at Fred’s in Cruz Bay where “Benji,” as he was affectionately known, would often come to play dominoes and talk story.

“Guy H. Benjamin was born in East End, St. John. He was the first St. Johnian to graduate from the Charlotte Amalie High School on St. Thomas. He received his bachelors degree from Howard University and his masters degree from New York University. Upon returning to the Virgin Islands, he dedicated himself to a career in education. In recognition of his contribution to education in the Virgin Islands, the name of the Benjamin Franklin School was changed to the Guy H. Benjamin School by the Virgin Island legislature.

Guy Benjamin, is also the author of Me and My Beloved Virgin, a book of memoirs of St. John in times gone by.”

From the foreword of St. John Off the Beaten Track

Some among the well-wishers offered some stories and reminiscences. Ira January, a long time friend of Guy Benjamin sang a beautiful and very special happy birthday song. I managed to remember a line of lyrics that stuck in my head:

HI! Crazy Cracker’s is hosing a fundraiser for Sharon “Puppy” Lees on November 7th. Doors open at 3:00, auction begins at 9:30. Dates with St. John’s most eligible bachelor’s will be auctioned off to the highest bidder. Gift certificates will be given for restaurants, bars, etc for the winner. A silent auction will also be held upstairs. All money raised will go toward Puppy’s medical expenses. We want to see everyone out!
Message from Ashley Osborne
Email: osbash2004@aol.com
Phone: 340-715-3361